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Veterinary Pathologist Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Pathologist information

See Kentucky salary details

$39.5K

$216.3K

$336.1K

How much do veterinary pathologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for veterinary pathologist in Kentucky is $216,264.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $176,700.00 and $261,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Veterinary Pathologist vs Veterinary Laboratory Technician?

AspectVeterinary PathologistVeterinary Laboratory Technician
Required CredentialsDoctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent, specialized training in pathologyAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in veterinary technology or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, diagnostic laboratories, universities, or veterinary hospitalsVeterinary clinics, diagnostic labs, research facilities
Industry UsageFocuses on diagnosing diseases through tissue analysis and researchPerforms laboratory tests, prepares samples, and assists in diagnostics

While both roles work within veterinary diagnostics, Veterinary Pathologists specialize in disease diagnosis through tissue examination and research, requiring advanced degrees. Veterinary Laboratory Technicians support diagnostic processes by performing tests and preparing samples, often with less formal education. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in veterinary diagnostics.

What Does a Veterinary Pathologist Do?

As a veterinary pathologist, your duties are slightly different depending on whether you work in small or large animal veterinary medicine and whether you run a practice that deals mainly with pets or a business that involves consulting and research services for a rancher or other livestock operation. As a small animal or family practice pathologist, your responsibilities are to diagnose diseases in animals. You study tissue samples from organs and body fluid to reach a diagnosis. In livestock veterinary pathology, a veterinary pathologist studies herds for communicable diseases that may affect production. Some veterinary pathologists work for the FDA or other federal programs to investigate outbreaks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Veterinary Pathologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Veterinary Pathologist, you need a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, board certification (such as from the ACVP), and expertise in animal disease diagnosis. Familiarity with laboratory diagnostic tools, histopathology techniques, and digital pathology systems is typically required. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital for collaborating with veterinarians and researchers. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring accurate disease identification, advancing animal health research, and supporting effective treatment decisions.

What is a veterinary pathologist?

A veterinary pathologist is a specialized veterinarian who studies diseases in animals by examining tissues, organs, bodily fluids, and laboratory test results. They play a crucial role in diagnosing illnesses, understanding disease processes, and supporting animal health by working in laboratories, research institutions, universities, or diagnostic centers. Veterinary pathologists use their expertise to assist in disease surveillance, support public health, and contribute to advancements in both animal and human medicine. Their work can involve both clinical pathology (analyzing blood and other bodily fluids) and anatomical pathology (examining tissues and organs).

What are some common challenges faced by veterinary pathologists in their daily work?

Veterinary pathologists often encounter the challenge of diagnosing complex cases where clinical signs and laboratory findings may be ambiguous or overlap between different diseases. Additionally, they must stay current with rapidly advancing diagnostic techniques and emerging animal diseases. Balancing casework, research, and collaboration with clinicians or other scientists can also be demanding. Effective communication is essential, as pathologists frequently explain findings and recommendations to veterinarians, researchers, and sometimes animal owners.
What are the most commonly searched types of Veterinary Pathologist jobs in Kentucky? The most popular types of Veterinary Pathologist jobs in Kentucky are:
What job categories do people searching Veterinary Pathologist jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Veterinary Pathologist jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Veterinary Pathologist jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Veterinary Pathologist job openings:
Infographic showing various Veterinary Pathologist job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $216,264 per year, or $104 per hour.

Veterinary Pathologist/Assistant Professor

Murray State University

Hopkinsville, KY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Murray State University rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

586th of 614 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Details
Position Information
Posting Number
20270008FAC
Job Title
Veterinary Pathologist/Assistant Professor
Number of Vacancies
1
About Murray State
Murray State blends educational opportunities found at research institutions with collaborative interactions among students, faculty and staff found at smaller universities. Students receive personalized attention from supportive faculty and staff as the University offers a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Murray State University places our highest priority on student learning and excellent teaching, blending the range of educational opportunities often experienced at research institutions with the nurturing student-teacher interactions usually found at smaller universities.
Located in the West Kentucky region, Murray State University is a public, comprehensive University which offers a low cost of living, low property taxes, and a four-season climate. Murray has a friendly, small-town atmosphere with locally-owned specialty shops and restaurants, an acclaimed community theater, art guild and award-winning public schools. The area is home to Kentucky Lake and Land Between the Lakes, a 170,000-acre National Recreation Area, which offers a wide-range of activities and amenities for residents and visitors alike. Located in close proximity to major cities and nearby access to Interstate 24, Murray is just a few hours from Nashville, St. Louis, Louisville and Memphis. Learn more about Careers at Murray State University.
About Murray State Benefits
Faculty and staff of Murray State University have access to a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement, tuition waivers, generous paid holidays, vacation, sick, and paid parental leave, as well as many other benefit offerings. Please refer to the Murray State Benefits page for more information.
Equal Opportunity Employment
Equal Opportunity Employer/AA. Murray State University does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender, identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, disability or political or social viewpoint. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
Type of Employment
Regular Full-Time
If Part Time, Enter Hours Per Week
Work Location
Hopkinsville, KY
Employment Term
12 Months
Position Type
Faculty (Non-Tenure-Track)
Department
Breathitt Veterinary Center
Anticipated Start Date
Summary of Job Duties and Responsibilities
Murray State University is seeking a full-time Veterinary Pathologist/Assistant Professor for its Hopkinsville, KY location.
The Veterinary Pathologist/Assistant Professor's primary responsibilities include the following:
  • Perform necropsies on animal carcasses and report appropriate findings.
  • Interpret histopathology slides of necropsy submissions and report findings.
  • Conduct appropriate research and publish findings.
  • Provide consultations with veterinarians and livestock farmers.
  • Provide instruction, as required, for the Animal Health Technology curriculum.
  • Comply with Quality Management System.
  • Perform special projects as determined by Head of Pathology.

Minimum Education Requirements
Candidates must have Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree. In addition to the degree, must have 2 years of residency training in anatomic pathology with an emphasis on food animal and companion animal diagnostics.
Minimum Experience and Skill Requirements
Preferred Education and/or Experience Qualifications
American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP) Board Certification preferred.
Physical Demands
Work Hours
Up to 5% local travel to present and attend professional meetings.
Annual Salary
Pay Plan
Faculty III
Posting Details
Posting Date
07/15/2026
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with the application, the following items must be included:
  • Letter of application
  • Resume

For best consideration, please submit a completed application along with all required materials by August 15, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

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